Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi is a well-preserved ancient Babylonian legal code, dating back to around 1754 BCE. It is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. The code was enacted by the sixth Babylonian king, Hammurabi, and consists of 282 laws with punishments for various offenses. The code is inscribed on a stele, a large stone monument, and provides valuable insights into the social and economic structure of ancient Babylonian society.

Key Concepts and Laws in the Code of Hammurabi

Retributive Justice: The code follows the principle of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," prescribing specific punishments for specific offenses.
Social Hierarchies: The laws in the code differentiate between the social classes and specify different punishments for the same crime based on the perpetrator's social status.
Property Rights: The code addresses issues related to property, contracts, and commerce, providing regulations for transactions and setting standards for business practices.
Family and Marriage: It includes laws related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance, outlining the rights and responsibilities of family members.
Labor and Wages: The code regulates wages and working conditions, reflecting the value placed on labor in Babylonian society.

Significance and Legacy

The Code of Hammurabi is significant as one of the earliest examples of written laws and provides a glimpse into the legal system and societal norms of ancient Mesopotamia. It reflects the idea of justice as a tool for maintaining order and stability within a complex society.

Studying the Code of Hammurabi

When studying the Code of Hammurabi, students should focus on understanding the historical context of ancient Babylon, the structure of the code, and its impact on subsequent legal systems. It is also important to analyze the societal values reflected in the laws and consider the code's influence on modern concepts of law and justice.

Study Guide Questions

What are the key principles of the Code of Hammurabi?
How does the code reflect the social structure of ancient Babylonian society?
What are some specific laws in the code related to property, family, and labor?
Why is the Code of Hammurabi considered a significant historical document?
Discuss the potential influence of the Code of Hammurabi on modern legal systems.

By exploring these questions and delving into the intricacies of the code, students can gain a deeper understanding of ancient legal systems and their enduring impact on human civilization.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Mesopotamia

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures (e.g., the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, the development of technology, the rise of modern nation-states, and the establishment and breakdown of colonial systems).

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

World History Content Standards

Era 2: Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples, 4000-1000 BCE

The major characteristics of civilization and how civilizations emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley.

The student understands how Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley became centers of dense population, urbanization, and cultural innovation in the fourth and third millennia BCE.

The student understands how commercial and cultural interactions contributed to change in the Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Nile regions.

How agrarian societies spread and new states emerged in the third and second millennia BCE.

The student understands how new centers of agrarian society arose in the third and second millennia BCE.

Major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000-1000 BCE.

The student understands major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000 to 1000 BCE.